In Memory of Shirley Ann Bales

Shirley A. Bales, age 84, of Ruthven, Iowa (formerly of Sac City and Ida Grove, Iowa) passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Palo Alto County Hospital of Emmetsburg, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Mark Aurand will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery of Danbury, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

 The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Shirley Ann Bales, the daughter of Milton C. and Lula Mae (Means) Scheffler, was born on March 2, 1941, in Sac City, Iowa. She grew up in Sac City and went to school through the 12^th grade.

In 1980, Shirley met a special friend, Paul Wieling. Shirley considered all of Paul’s children: David, Daniel, Monty, Jody, and Jeffery, her bonus children.  Shirley worked at the Morningside Rehab and Care Center in Ida Grove, Iowa, for 27 years starting out as a CNA then as a cook, dishwasher, and kitchen aid.

Shirley liked gardening, puzzles, and making blankets for her family. She also enjoyed road trips and going on walks. Shirley loved the Scheffler family Christmas and attending all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s activities. Shirley and Paul enjoyed each other’s company going camping and fishing on vacations up to Canada, Northe Platt, and Red River. They also liked canning and started the tradition of corn flake cookies for all the children for Christmas.

In 2019 Shirley relocated to Ruthven, Iowa, to live with her daughter and family

Left to cherish her memory include her children: Ann (Shane) Vanderhoff of Ruthven, IA, Roy (Jeri) Bales of Early, IA, Allie (Aaron Wunschel) Collins of Ida Grove, IA, Viette Nelsen Schull of Mankato, MN; 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; brothers Don (Florence) Scheffler of Mountain Home, ID and Gene (Diane) Scheffler of Mason City, IA; sister Fran (Marv) Shettler of Storm Lake, IA; sister-in-law Mary Scheffler of Sac City, IA; bonus children Daniel Wieling of Ireton, IA, Jody (Pete) Campbell of Rock Springs, WY and Jeffrey (Shilo Scott) Wieling of Ida Grove, IA; special friend Frank Collins of Ida Grove, IA; and four legged friend Skeeter; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Milton and Lula Scheffler; son Denton Schoenbaum; brothers Fred Scheffler, Clifford Scheffler, and Robert Lynn; sisters Guentha Ann, Caroline Kay, infant sister, Pamela Jean, Elsie Mae, and Sandy (Verlyn) Jarvis; brother-in-law Ronald Helembrick; special friend Paul Wieling; and Paul’s sons David and Monty.